Common sense representation for the people of Cornwall, Salisbury, Leicester, Ripton, Goshen and Hancock

Author: peterc@shoreham.net

CORNWALL – Peter Conlon of Cornwall announced this week he will be a candidate for the Vermont House. Conlon seeks to replace Rep. Willem Jewett, D-Ripton, whose House district – Addison-2 – includes Cornwall, Ripton, Leicester, Salisbury, Goshen and Hancock. Jewett has decided not to seek re-election.

A lifelong Vermonter, Conlon, 52, has lived in Cornwall since 1990. His work career has included 15 years as a reporter and assistant editor of the Addison Independent, a decade working as a labor specialist in the dairy industry and most recently as a self-employed move manager and home inventory specialist.

“Addison County and Vermont are part of who I am,” Conlon said. “To play a greater role in the future of our state and communities is a special opportunity. I look forward to talking with the people of this House district about our state, its future and what needs to be done now.”

Conlon, a Democrat, currently serves as chairman of the Middlebury Union Middle and High School board, which he has been a member of since 2005. He was recently elected to the newly formed Addison Central unified school board. Conlon also serves as a firefighter and training officer for the Cornwall Volunteer Fire Department and is a volunteer interpreter at the Open Door Clinic in Middlebury.

Previously, he was an active member of the Friends of Cornwall School for many years, serving as president for two. Conlon is a past president of the Champlain Valley Little League, which has since merged with Middlebury Area Little League. He coached Little League for nearly 10 years.

Conlon and his wife, Mary, moved to Cornwall after they served as Peace Corps volunteers in Paraguay from 1987 to 1989. They have three sons, Emerson, a school teacher; William, a college senior, and Silas, a freshman at MUHS.

“Throughout my adult life, I have been fortunate to work with, serve with, and socialize with people from all walks of life. Those relationships will provide an important foundation to the experience I hope to bring to the Vermont House,” Conlon said.

Conlon has long followed Vermont politics – his son Silas even served as a page in the Legislature last year – his decision to run for the House came after Jewett decided to step down.

“Willem has served this district very well. I hope to continue his dedication to the people of our communities and our state,” Conlon said.